Augustus II the Strong, Polish king (b. 1670)

Augustus II, born on May 12, 1670, and passing away on February 1, 1733, is perhaps best known to history as Augustus the Strong, a monarch whose reign was marked by extraordinary physical prowess, ambitious cultural patronage, and complex political maneuverings. A prominent figure of the Baroque era, he held the esteemed title of Elector of Saxony from 1694 until his death. Beyond Saxony, he also reigned as King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, initially from 1697 to 1706, and then again from 1709 until his demise in 1733. He hailed from the Albertine line, a distinguished branch of the venerable House of Wettin, one of Germany's oldest and most influential dynasties.

The Legendary Strength of Augustus

Augustus's formidable physical capabilities were so remarkable that they earned him several enduring nicknames, including "the Strong," "the Saxon Hercules," and "Iron-Hand." These monikers were not merely symbolic; he famously demonstrated his immense strength in public spectacles. Tales recount his ability to break horseshoes with his bare hands and twist metal objects, showcasing his raw power. Another peculiar, yet popular, courtly entertainment of the time was "fox tossing," a brutal sport where foxes were propelled into the air using slings. Augustus would reportedly participate by holding one end of the sling with just a single finger, while two of the strongest men in his court held the other, a testament to his extraordinary grip and might.

Beyond his physical feats, Augustus the Strong is also notable for his prolific private life. While he had only one legitimate son, Augustus III, his reign was characterized by a legendary number of illegitimate children. Though exact figures vary, sources suggest he acknowledged at least eight illegitimate offspring, with many more unacknowledged. One of his most famous illegitimate sons was Maurice de Saxe (Marschall von Sachsen), who became one of the most brilliant military commanders of the 18th century in French service.

A Convert for the Crown: Political Strategy and Religious Shift

A pivotal decision in Augustus's career was his conversion to Roman Catholicism. This was a strategic move, deemed essential to secure his election as King of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, an elective monarchy with a predominantly Catholic population. This conversion, despite Saxony being a predominantly Protestant state (a stronghold of the Reformation), allowed him to meet the religious prerequisite for the Polish throne.

As a Catholic monarch, Augustus received the prestigious Order of the Golden Fleece from the Holy Roman Emperor, a highly exclusive chivalric order reserved for Europe's most prominent Catholic nobles. Demonstrating his commitment to his new kingdom and seeking to bolster its national identity, he also re-established (or formally founded) the Order of the White Eagle in 1705, which quickly became Poland's highest and most distinguished decoration.

The Patron of Arts: Transforming Dresden into a Cultural Jewel

As Elector of Saxony, Augustus the Strong's most enduring legacy is arguably his unparalleled patronage of the arts and architecture. He envisioned and successfully transformed Dresden, the Saxon capital, into one of Europe's most magnificent Baroque cities and a major cultural centre, often referred to as "Florence on the Elbe."

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Collections:

• Lavish Palaces: He commissioned and oversaw the construction of numerous lavish Baroque palaces, including the spectacular Zwinger complex in Dresden, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that housed his immense art collections and served as an orangery and venue for court festivities. Other notable projects included the Moritzburg Castle, transformed into a lavish hunting lodge and pleasure palace.
• Art and Treasures: Augustus was an avid and discerning collector, amassing an impressive array of art and treasures. His collections formed the foundation of what are now some of the most renowned museums in Europe, notably the Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault), a vast collection of jewels and objets d'art, and the Porzellansammlung (Porcelain Collection), which boasts one of the world's largest and finest assemblages of early Meissen porcelain.
• Meissen Porcelain: A particularly significant achievement was his sponsorship of the alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger and Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus, who, in 1708, discovered the secret of hard-paste porcelain production in Europe. This led to the establishment of the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory in 1710, marking a revolutionary economic and artistic triumph for Saxony and Europe.
• Attracting Talent: His court attracted leading artists, sculptors, and architects from across Europe, fostering an environment of unparalleled creativity and innovation.

In addition to his royal duties, in 1717, Augustus II served as the Imperial Vicar of the Holy Roman Empire. This significant role entailed acting as the Emperor's representative during periods of imperial vacancy, further highlighting his considerable influence within European politics.

A Troubled Reign in Poland: War, Instability, and Succession

While his reign in Saxony was largely one of cultural flourishing, his time on the Polish throne was considerably more turbulent and, for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, brought periods of significant distress. His primary foreign policy objective in Poland was to strengthen royal power in a state characterized by extreme decentralization, where the powerful nobility (Szlachta) held extensive rights, including the famous Liberum Veto, which allowed any single member of the Sejm (parliament) to unilaterally block legislation. This made effective governance challenging and often paralyzed the state.

Augustus led the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth into the Great Northern War (1700-1721), primarily against Sweden. His aim was to expand his influence and potentially reclaim territories like Livonia. However, this conflict proved disastrous for the Commonwealth, as it became a battleground for foreign powers. The war significantly weakened Poland and allowed the nascent Russian Empire to strengthen its influence across Europe, particularly within the Commonwealth, paving the way for future interventions.

His attempts to bolster royal authority by often relying on foreign powers, notably Saxon troops and later Russian support, inadvertently destabilized the Polish state and further eroded its sovereignty. His reign in Poland was interrupted; in 1704, during the Great Northern War, the Swedes forced his abdication and installed the Polish nobleman Stanisław Leszczyński as king. Leszczyński officially reigned from 1706 to 1709, until Augustus, following Sweden's defeat at the Battle of Poltava in 1709, was able to regain his Polish throne. His death in 1733 ultimately sparked the War of the Polish Succession, as various European powers vied for control over the Polish crown.

Legacy and Burial

Augustus the Strong's legacy is complex, marked by both magnificent cultural achievements and politically turbulent times. His body was laid to rest in the royal Wawel Cathedral in Kraków, Poland, a traditional burial site for Polish monarchs, signifying his role as King of Poland. However, his heart, a symbolic gesture reflecting his Saxon identity and devotion, rests in the Hofkirche (Dresden Cathedral) in Dresden. He was succeeded on both the Saxon and Polish thrones by his only legitimate son, Augustus III of Poland, who continued some of his father's artistic and political pursuits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Augustus the Strong

Why was Augustus II known as "Augustus the Strong"?

He earned the nickname due to his remarkable physical prowess, demonstrated through feats such as breaking horseshoes with his bare hands and engaging in strenuous courtly sports like fox tossing.

Why did Augustus the Strong convert to Catholicism?

Augustus converted to Roman Catholicism as a political necessity to be elected King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which required its monarch to be Catholic.

What was Augustus the Strong's most significant cultural legacy in Saxony?

His most significant cultural legacy was the transformation of Dresden into a leading European Baroque cultural center. He was a lavish patron of arts and architecture, commissioning magnificent palaces like the Zwinger and establishing the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, Europe's first hard-paste porcelain production.

How did Augustus the Strong's reign impact Poland?

His reign in Poland was marked by instability, largely due to his involvement in the Great Northern War, which devastated the Commonwealth and increased Russian influence. His efforts to centralize power often destabilized the highly decentralized Polish political system.

Where is Augustus the Strong buried?

His body is buried in Wawel Cathedral in Kraków, Poland, while his heart is interred in the Hofkirche (Dresden Cathedral) in Dresden, Germany.